12:00.048N 061:44.545W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Thu 27 Dec 2012 22:43
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"Hog Island - Christmas Day"
We woke up to torrential rain, our groups plans for
Roast Turkey on the beach had not included a wet weather alternative! We
called our friends on the VHF and were told that Neal, who was watching the
weather on the satellite, had said there would be a lull in the downpour in 30
minutes. Sure enough, a short while later, the collection of dinghies on
the beach suggested it was time for us to face the weather in our bathers, with
dry clothes and towel in a waterproof bag.
Roger's Bar is a somewhat ramshackle construction
on the beach, with no amenities, no electric etc. The three sides, two of
which are a waist high, is made of bamboo, with a tin roof covering
the bar and kitchen area, the floor is the sandy beach. Hanging down
from the roof on the outside are various plastic sheets, tarpaulins and sails to
shield the customers from the elements when it rains and are tied back or
removed to let the air flow when it is hot. The drinks and ice are brought
over daily in large cool boxes; the lights and music player are powered by a
large lorry battery and the extra large oven stands on the sand in the kitchen
area, which floods from the mangroves behind the bar when it rains
heavily! Roger gave permission for his facilities to be used on Christmas
day and we could use the over too, but it didn't work he said! This did
not put off our event organisers! After all, they are 'cruisers' and what
do 'cruisers' do best - they fix things when they break! Fix it they did,
a gas cylinder and modified connector were soon plumbed in and the 'Essex Likely
Lads' were set to go!
Our friends and cruising chums did Noel proud,
Happy Birthday banners adorned the bar and it was declared to be Noel's birthday
celebration in the morning, followed by Christmas in the afternoon.
The turkey was soon in the oven and with many
hands, it was not long before the vegetables were prepared and the Christmas
puddings were steaming. The rest of the mornings activities consisted of
various dinghy trips by members of the party to collect items like extra beer,
baking trays and anything else that was needed, all done in between heavy
downpours. Needless, to say happy banter and many sea stories flowed
continually and in no time at all our chief chef declared the turkey to be
'done'.
The guys had catered for everything brilliantly, a
brightly coloured table cloth covered the bare round rough wood table, 9 places
were set, including Christmas serviettes and red Santa hats for everyone.
We started our feast with a first course of salmon, salad, fresh bread and
proper butter! However, someone wanted lemon with the salmon and as
we had limes on board Whisper, another dinghy trip was made before we could
start.
It was a toss up between the groups eye
surgeon and dentist as to whom should carve the turkey. I couldn't resist
pointing out that the eye surgeon was brilliant at carving but that if he was
chatting, he most certainly could not multi task! Nonetheless, he was
handed the carving knife, but I noticed that nobody spoke to him until the
turkey lay in slices on the plate! We had all the traditional trimmings
with our turkey, sage and onion stuffing, gravy, roast potatoes, roast onions,
green beans, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, carrots, sausages wrapped in bacon
and cranberry sauce. There was a lot of leg pulling - someone had
neglected to bring the bread sauce!
Next came the Christmas pudding, adequately
lubricated with a substantial amount of rum and set fire to, in the traditional
manner, served with freshly made custard. Our feast finally concluded with
a glass of port.
After the feast came the inevitable washing
up! What a team - people just fitted into the chain, plates were
rinsed off in the sea (hundreds of small fish swam amongst our legs feeding on
the scraps in the shallow waters), then they were washed in salt water and
washing up liquid and finally rinsed in fresh water in a cool box full of melted
ice, before being wiped dry. Saucepans and baking trays had a similar
treatment, the burnt on particles stood no chance against the vigorous rubbing
with dinghy sponges, sea and sand and finally they turned out spotless.
Before long the kitchen chaos was cleared and there was not a trace of our
activities.
The rest of the afternoon followed traditionally
with a précis of the Queen's Christmas Speech from one of the group, and several
afternoon naps were digitally recorded. As the sun started to set,
Swimming Time was announced. I noticed that the 'Essex Likely Lads' and
their mates had a somewhat unusual swimming stroke, which appeared not to propel
them through the water at all. In fact, they remained quite stationary,
apart from one upheld hand clutching a bottle! Was I really seeing the
letters STAG, occasionally moving up and down to their mouths, whilst holding a
conversation? Very strange swimming indeed!
As dusk fell, mince pies and a surprise
birthday/Christmas cake complete with candles appeared accompanied by a raucous
rendering of "Happy Birthday" to Noel.
Thank you everyone for contributing to making it a
very special day and a special thank you to the chief chef and all his
helpers!
Photos: Christmas Day
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